Prevalence of Hypertension and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Adults Attending Primary Healthcare Centres in Kano State

Background: Hypertension remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity in Nigeria, yet its burden at the primary care level is insufficiently documented, particularly in the North West geopolitical zone. This study examines the prevalence of hypertension and its associated sociodemographic and lifestyle risk factors among adults attending selected primary healthcare centres in Kano State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 320 adult attendees selected through systematic random sampling. Blood pressure measurements were taken using a calibrated sphygmomanometer following standard protocols. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests applied. Results: Preliminary findings indicate a high burden of undiagnosed hypertension, particularly among males aged 40 to 60 years. Sedentary lifestyle, excessive salt intake, and obesity were identified as the most prevalent modifiable risk factors. Awareness of hypertension status was low among respondents. Conclusion: The study underscores the critical need for targeted community-based screening programmes and health education campaigns at primary healthcare centres in Kano State. Early detection strategies must be integrated into routine family medicine consultations to reduce the long-term cardiovascular disease burden. Keywords: hypertension, primary healthcare, Kano State, risk factors, cardiovascular disease